COLUMBIA, S.C. — South Carolina Attorney General Alan Wilson has joined a coalition of 38 state and territory attorneys general urging Congress to take decisive action against the escalating issue of organized retail crime. In a letter addressed to House and Senate leadership earlier this week, the coalition underscored the pressing need for federal legislation to combat this escalating threat.
“Organized retail crime has reached unprecedented levels in this country, and no community is immune from its economic impact and the accompanying violence,” the attorneys general stated. They highlighted that such crimes involve large-scale thefts from retail stores, with stolen goods often resold through sophisticated criminal networks.
The coalition is advocating for the reintroduction and strengthening of bills from the previous Congress, specifically H.R. 895/S. 140—the Combating Organized Retail Crime Act of 2023—and S. 139—the Organized Retail Crime Center Authorization Act of 2023. These proposed laws aim to provide federal and state law enforcement with enhanced tools to prosecute organized retail theft and propose increased federal penalties for supply chain thefts to deter the hijacking of goods in transit.
In tandem with federal efforts, South Carolina is proactively addressing the issue at the state level. On February 13, 2025, state lawmakers introduced House Bill 3523, which seeks to amend Section 16-13-135 of the South Carolina Code of Laws. The bill aims to redefine the offense of retail theft, establish graduated penalties for organized retail crime, and enhance enforcement measures.
The National Association of Attorneys General (NAAG) has reported that organized retail crime has led to financial losses exceeding $121 billion nationwide. Additionally, 76% of retail asset protection managers have reported incidents where employees were subjected to violence by organized retail criminals.
The coalition’s letter to Congress emphasizes the necessity of a coordinated response to this multifaceted problem, urging legislative action to equip law enforcement agencies with the resources required to dismantle these criminal enterprises effectively.
As organized retail crime continues to impact businesses and communities across the nation, the combined efforts of state and federal authorities aim to curb this alarming trend and ensure the safety and economic well-being of consumers and retailers alike.
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